Gezicht op de Westminster Bridge over de rivier de Theems te Londen, gezien vanaf de noordzijde after 1722

Nicolas Jean Baptiste Poilly created this print of the Westminster Bridge in London, likely during the mid-18th century. The print gives us insight into the burgeoning civic identity of London at this time. The bridge itself, completed just a few years before Poilly made this print, was a symbol of modernity and progress, designed to facilitate trade and movement across the Thames. In fact, this very subject, a bridge bustling with commercial activity, became a popular artistic theme during this era. Poilly's choice to depict the bridge from the north side, teeming with boats and activity, emphasizes its significance as a hub of commerce and social interaction. The print reflects the spirit of the Enlightenment, with its emphasis on reason, progress, and the celebration of human achievement. Prints such as this were sold to a growing public, creating and feeding a shared image of the modern city. These kinds of images are valuable resources, when used to connect art to its broader social and institutional contexts.